Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told ESPN Monday that negotiations with Lionel Messi over a new contract remain ongoing, but said he's optimistic the team captain will be with the club to inaugurate its new stadium Miami Freedom Park in March 2026.

The summer of soccer will take a new look this year with the FIFA Club World Cup, which comes to the U.S. for the first edition of the expanded competition that will see 32 teams from around the world compete for a share of the $1 billion prize purse.

With Saturday's opening match versus Al Ahly quickly approaching, Inter Miami's roster remains uncertain as the team recovers from a depleted roster and international fixture duties.